Our long-term 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart has only been with us a short time but has so far proved to be relatively fun to drive and practical to live with. Since taking up residence at Car and Driver HQ, however, the five-door Evo Lite has managed to irk nearly all of us in one way or another. Some have chided its diminished handling characteristics with the thick-sidewalled snow tires, while others have issues finding a comfortable seating position with the Recaro sports seats and non-telescoping steering wheel. And associate editor David Gluckman found out the hard way that it’s not the easiest vehicle to jump-start. For me, it’s the small, pixelated display for the Rockford Fosgate audio system that I find particularly irritating.

A nit-pick to be sure, but I can’t help but think of the old-school Coleco Football “video” game I found in my father’s office—when I was 5—whenever I get into the Ralliart. What makes it especially frustrating is that between the speedometer and the tachometer is a nice, high-resolution color readout for the odometer, engine temperature, and fuel level, as well as for gear selection and general trip information. Of course, the audio display wouldn’t be an issue had we opted for the in-dash navigation system ($1999) and its much larger color screen. But we shouldn’t be punished for that by having to live with a tacky little display that makes our office copy machine’s readout look like the screen on an Apple iMac.

When the display is readable—it washes out completely in direct sunlight—the digital clock is visible on the left side, with the rest of the screen devoted to audio-system info, be it song title, track name, or radio station. I find it very chintzy in a car with a $31K sticker—particularly as it is part of the optional $2750 Recaro Sport package (sport seats, xenon headlights, and the 710-watt audio system)—and its low resolution means you must repeatedly hit the Page button on the radio to scroll through the entire line of text. Very annoying. The Lancer was never supposed to be a luxury ride and Mitsubishi isn’t a wealthy car company, but this feature reeks of cost-cutting. I might excuse this shortcoming if the Ralliart was as entertaining to pilot as the Lancer Evolution. But it’s not. The Lancer deserves better, Mitsubishi.

For more on the Lancer Sportback Ralliart, see the following resources: